Military vehicles visible at new China-Laos base

Satellite images revealed bright orange military vehicles and light attack aircraft at a recently announced joint China-Laos training base, located outside Laos' capital Vientiane. According to commercial satellite provider Vantor, the images, taken on September 30, show eight K-8 light attack jets and more than two dozen support vehicles under construction on a runway.

The facility, set up by China's defense ministry, is being closely monitored by regional military attaches and security scholars, who believe it could mark China's first fully fledged overseas military base in Southeast Asia.

The selection of Ban Keun, a site with potential operational value due to its proximity to China and infrastructure links, is perceived more as a strategic opportunity than a necessity, according to Rachel Vandenbrink, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Laos, situated along China's border and with existing infrastructure, offers geostrategic importance. However, the Lao embassy and foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

US security analysts have identified the aircraft as Hongdu JL-8, also known as K-8, used by both Chinese and Lao air forces for training and light attack purposes. Laos currently operates four of these planes, as per the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Analysts suggest the base may serve broader military functions, including surveillance, if construction progresses.

They liken the site to the covert US airfield used during the Vietnam War, known as Lima Site 44, where Air America, operated by the CIA, conducted covert operations.